Advertising Methods Compared
Whatever your business is on the web, you’re going to need advertising if you want the big bucks. First though, we must recognize that the meaning of the world ‘advertising’ has changed since the days of the TV, Radio, Magazine and News Paper monopoly. Advertising was simple to define and easy to recognize back before the internet, but web based advertising techniques are a different ball game altogether. Let’s take a look at these new alternative advertising methods in order of their cost to your business.
Word of Mouth: The internet’s impact on ‘word of mouth’ advertising has been huge. The invention of social networks and media sharing facilities has put thousands of likeminded people in touch with each other in ways that were impossible before the web. If you have a great product that a particular group of people will really like, you can be sure that it’ll be talked about on the web.
PPC/PPI Advertising: Pay per Click advertising and Pay Per Impression advertising will both cost you a little bit of cash, but you can build a campaign relatively cheaply and reach many thousands of people for extremely low cost. PPI is best for generating brand recognition on the whole, while PPC is ideal for deployment to key demographics who might want to read more about your product or service.
Affiliate Systems: Affiliate systems are a great way to sell medium to high cost services. Using an affiliate system allows you to put your affiliates in charge of your advertising. They are rewarded only for sales converted from their links, and so the burden of advertising, and the large rewards, rest firmly upon your selected affiliates. Be prepared to give away a significant percentage of your profits though, as good affiliates work hard to promote your product and expect payment in kind.
Mail / Software use: Last but certainly not least is the use of bulk e-mailing and software advertising. These are generally considered to be distasteful and annoying advertising methods but are certainly effective. Consider your business relationship with its customers very carefully before you undertake such a project. While these are ideal for one shot small purchases, they can alienate more picky customers.
Good stuff. I tend to feel that these days, publicity is another form of advertising, and there’s just so many places to gain publicity online.
Mitchs last blog post..The Bowling Tournament
Very nice breakdown Larry, although I’m not sure I would have even written the last one; it’s almost promoting spam.
I just found you through someones CommentLuv and have subscribed
Dennis Edells last blog post..Oct.’08 Post Round-Up for Direct Sales Web Marketing
@ Mitch You are right, There are Many sources for good free advertising. You have to spend the time to make the pay off.
@Dennis Thanks, I know I don’t take a chance with that type of promotion, that’s why I mentioned that it might piss some ISP’s/people off. Use at your own risk should have been the very last line.
Good article on the method of advertising online. Nowadays, blogs are used as a platform even for corporate level to advertise online.
Blogs are no longer used for own personal ramblings only. It has actually opened up to more alternatives because of its strength in SEOs. You agree with me on this Larry?
Wei Liang
Wei Liang | ABloggerBlogs last blog post..Lesson 15: Forum Marketing
Yes Wei, I agree even the big blogs like Ac360, Larry King and other’s want people to visit their blogs. It’s because they have the big sponsors who advertise there to get their products noticed.
ISP’s – it’ll do more then piss ‘em off, they can shut you down…have many times.
Great article though
Dennis Edells last blog post..Oct.’08 Post Round-Up for Direct Sales Web Marketing
Oh btw, could you install a subscribe to comments plugin? I rarely remember to come back on my own for replies
Dennis Edells last blog post..Oct.’08 Post Round-Up for Direct Sales Web Marketing
I agree with Dennis on this. Would be easier if there is a notification on new comments on the post.
Wei Liang | ABloggerBlogs last blog post..Lesson 15: Forum Marketing
@ Dennis and Wei, Done, Thanks for the Tip.